Atlanta Beltline Selected as Finalist for the WRI Ross Center Award

Today, the Atlanta Beltline was announced as a finalist for the 2025-2026 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, a prestigious global award supported by Stephen M. Ross that recognizes pioneering projects reshaping urban life and offering practical lessons for cities worldwide as they work to become more inclusive and sustainable. 

This year’s theme, “Catalyzing Healthy Cities,” spotlights initiatives that rise to today’s most pressing challenges like public health, climate risk, and inequality by expanding access to nature, mobility, and the everyday services communities depend on. Out of more than 300 applications from 77 countries, the Atlanta Beltline stood out as one of just five finalists worldwide.  

The 2025–2026 finalists, recognized for their ambition, impact, and potential to inform and inspire cities worldwide, include: 

• Sistema Verde Urbano (Loja, Ecuador)  

• Revitalizing Informal Settlements and Environments (RISE) (Makassar, Indonesia)  

• Move As One Coalition (Manila, The Philippines)  

• Book Bunk (Nairobi, Kenya)  

The Beltline was recognized for its bold vision to transform 22 miles of abandoned railroad corridors into a connected network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing. This once-in-a-generation project is reshaping Atlanta, connecting more than 45+ neighborhoods, improving mobility, expanding economic opportunity, and advancing long-term sustainability. 

Judges highlighted the Beltline’s life-changing impact, including expanded access to walking and cycling, increased green space, strengthened local employment, and support for affordable housing. With the lasting impacting helping curb urban sprawl while inspiring cities around the world to reimagine underused corridors as transformative public infrastructure. 

This April, the Beltline will join fellow finalists in New York City for a multi-day celebration of urban innovation. A panel of global urban experts and leaders will select one grand prize winner. 

The Prize is World Resources Institute’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Together with partners around the world, they help create resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places that are better for people and the planet.   

Learn more about the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, here.